United Arab Emirates, 13 December 2023 – The Organising Committee of the 52nd UAE Union Day announces the successful conclusion of this year’s 52nd Union Day. Held at Expo City in Dubai, the breathtaking shows were open to the public from December 5th until the 12th and featured innovative technologies and breathtaking performances on a revolving stage that took audiences through a journey of the UAE’s rich heritage and the connecting threads of unity and sustainability across its history.
The show traced the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who upheld the values of sustainable development and empowerment for the world, and honoured the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, while recognising the unity and resilience of its people.
The UAE’s Heritage: Sadu Weaving
The show shared the moving narrative through elements of Sadu weaving, expressed in visual and musical form. The various elements of Sadu featured in the show were handwoven by Emirati artisans from the ‘House of Artisans,’ an initiative of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Sadu has been a vital craft for Emirati women, who use it to weave tents and household items and contribute to the family income, and it is an integral part of the UAE’s heritage.
Actionists of the UAE and Beyond
Several inspiring local actionists were featured in the 30-minute ceremony, owing to their significant contributions to various fields: Maitha Al Mansoori in plant ecology; Maryam Hassani in wind energy; Saeed Al Hassan in agriculture; and Amal AlGergawi in animal conservation. International actionists who represented winning entities of the Zayed Sustainability Prize were also spotlighted for their contribution to meaningful action: Harish Hande for Selco Foundation; Nidhi Pant for S4S Technologies; and Mohon Kumar Mondal for LEDARS.
Enthralling Performances
The show, choreographed by Sadeck Berrabah, was accompanied by a live orchestral performance consisting of 90 members comprising both local musicians and from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Moments of dialogue and performances were interlaced with touching songs about the UAE that honoured the legacy of Sadu weaving, the visionary leadership of the UAE and the inspiring stories of the UAE’s journey. These songs included poetry by Heera Balhali, Saif Salem Al Mansoori, and Saif Al Saadi and compositions by Mohamed Al Ahmed for the three songs We Weaved the Wool, Everlasting Glory, and Darna (Our Homeland) respectively. The songs will be available for download on Apple Music, Anghami, Spotify, and Deezer.
Sustainability in Focus
Certified ISO20121, the global standard for sustainable event management, the show incorporated several sustainable elements throughout its production. In addition, 84 mixed-ability students across the UAE submitted dioramas using sustainable materials to showcase their favourite landscapes of the country in commemoration of the “Year of Sustainability” and the rich national heritage. Meticulously designed props simulated the light effects of fireworks, emphasising the sustainable design and focus of the ceremony.
Additionally, the merchandise for this year’s Union Day was produced using upcycled materials from the 50th and 51st Union Days. The merchandise includes school bags, hoodies, tote bags, notebooks, and much more available on www.UnionDay.ae
A Collective Effort
Preparations for the 52nd Union Day began this year in April and took nearly 8 months to complete. More than 7,000 individuals, including artisans from the ‘House of Artisans’, expert engineers, creatives, and technicians from around the world, came together to bring the 52nd UAE Union Day show to life.
All proceeds from the shows will be donated to Tarahum for Gaza by Emirates Red Crescent. The full show is available on the UAE 52nd Union Day official YouTube channel at @UAEUnionDay.
